Friday, December 30, 2016

MESA COUNTY, Colo -- Each year, the Mesa County Sheriff's Office recovers over a hundred bikes that never make it back to their owner.

The problem is most of the bikes found aren't registered and the person who lost the bike didn't keep proof of ownership, like a receipt from when it was purchased or the bike's serial number.

On average the Mesa County Sheriff's Office finds between 100-140 lost or stolen bikes a year. Typically only one or two of those will be returned to their owners.

Right now over a dozen bikes sit unclaimed. This could easily be prevented if you register your bike!

Register your bike with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office

It's simple! If you live in the county download the Bike Registration form or pick one up from our office. Include a picture, the serial number of the bike, and your contact information. Then bring the form to our office at 215 Rice Street, Grand Junction. We are open Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. excluding observed holidays.

If your bike gets lost or stolen and we find it, our deputies can match that information and return your bike back to you!

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - This week Crime Stoppers of Mesa County needs your help in locating the suspect that used counterfeit United States Currency.

On Monday, December 19th a female suspect paid for her merchandise with counterfeit $100 bills at the Rite Aid located at 400 N. 1st Street.

Security cameras took a picture of a black female, approximately 25 to 35 years of age, about 5’6” to 5’9” tall, weighing 170 to 190 pounds, wearing blue jeans and a light winter coat with a fur-lined collar and carrying a large tan purse.
If you know the identity or whereabouts of this subject, please contact Crime Stoppers at 241-7867. Information reported to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest can earn you up to $1,000 cash reward and you will remain completely anonymous. For more information, visit www.241stop.com

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

We commend the jury for fulfilling their civic duty and rendering a thoughtful and just verdict. A case this complex took time and took the jurors away from their work and families for weeks. We thank them for their service and sacrifice.

We believe in our justice system and thank the Mesa County District Attorney’s Office, our investigators and deputies as well as members of the public who put in countless hours of hard work into this case. We also would like to thank the Grand Junction Police Department, Grand Junction Fire Department, Delta County Sheriff's Office, and Colorado Bureau of Investigation for their work on this case as well.

While this verdict will not bring Paige Birgfeld back to her family, we are happy it will give her family closure.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

MESA COUNTY, Colo - Further investigation has lead to more charges in connection to the Nov. 6 deadly shooting on the 3200 block of B 1/2 Road.

Jordan Shaw, 26, is now in custody after a warrant was issued for her arrest for the charges of Attempt to Influence a Public Servant (class 4 felony) and Theft (class 2 misdemeanor).She is being held at the Mesa County Detention Facility on a No Bond Hold until her first appearance in court.

During the investigation into the shooting death of Shandie Case, Shaw claimed ownership of guns that Mesa County Sheriff's Investigators determined were not hers and at least one was stolen.

Two people were shot during the Nov. 6 alteration over a truck. Shandie Case, 25, was killed and Joseph Manzanarez Jr, 34, was wounded.

Manzanarez is facing charges of one count of Possession of Weapon by previous offender (class 5 felony), 2 counts of Felony menacing (class 5 felony) and Prohibited Use of a Weapon for his role in the shooting. He is currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility on $100,000 cash bond.

Case's common-law husband, 29-year-old Alexander Fedak, is facing charges of Criminally Negligent Homicide (class 5 felony), Vehicular Eluding (class 5 felony), Possession of a Weapon by a previous offender (class 6 felony), and Reckless Driving. He is currently being held on a $50,000 cash bond.

Monday, December 19, 2016

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - Crime Stoppers needs your help in locating the suspects that stole a cart full of items from Albertson’s located at 2512 Broadway on Tuesday, October 18th around 6:30 p.m.

The three suspects were last seen leaving in an older model gray colored sedan.

The suspects are described as:

A Hispanic male, 20 to 30 years old, about 5’8” to 6’ tall, with an average build and dark hair.

First Hispanic female, 15 to 25 years old, about 115 to 125 pounds with long black hair.

Second Hispanic female, 20 to 30 years old, about 5’6” to 5’10” tall, 150 to 200 pounds with red hair.

The total estimated value of loss is over $1,000.00.

If you recognize the persons in this crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 241-7867. When you call Crime Stoppers and give them information on someone that gets arrested they will pay you a cash reward up to $1,000 without asking your name.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is getting reports of the Grandparents Scam making the rounds again, but with a new twist. Scammers are using information possibly found on social media to make their scam more believable.

A person is calling seniors in our community pretending to be their grandson or granddaughter saying they are in a foreign country, in trouble, and need money.

Recently one person in Mesa County was scammed out of $400 after believing her granddaughter was in trouble in Canada. The scam sounded real because her granddaughter does in fact travel to Canada often, so the fake story the scammers were telling could have in fact been real.

Spotting the Scam

The way to check and find out if it's a scam, CALL! Before sending any money, call the person they are claiming to be. It sounds simple, but when you are worried about your loved one, that simple step can easily be overlooked. If you can't get ahold of them, try to contact other family members, friends, or even their work to verify the story. That way if you do have to send money, you're loved one will get it, not a scammer!

Why people are falling victim

This scam is not new, scammers have been using it for years, but they are finding ways to make it sound even more real. Scammers are using details that they get through social media or from the person they are trying to scam.

The scammer will usually start the conversation off with "Hi Grandma/Grandpa." Naturally, we typically respond with a hello and then say our loved one's name, like "Hi Megan," or "Is that you Bobby?" That's how scammers find out the person's grandchild's information, making the scam sound even more real.

The scammers will also pose as the law enforcement agency of the foreign country and use a similar tactic to get your family member's name. Here's an example:

Scammer: "Hello ma'am, this is Officer Joe with the Canadian Police. Your grandson was arrested for drunk driving and he thought you might be able help him. Is that correct?"Victim: "Yes, of course! Is Mike, okay?

Be AWARE of what you post on social media

Social media is making it easy for scammers to use personal information posted to their advantage. If someone posts online they are going to Mexico on a trip for example. They most likely also have a picture of them with Grandma or Grandpa during the holidays. Maybe the photo even has a caption saying, "At Grandpa Joe's house in Grand Junction for Christmas." Now the scammer knows that person is in Mexico and has potential victim they can target in Grand Junction.

Privacy settings are a great tool on social media, but the only way to ensure your privacy online is to monitor what you are posting. Be mindful of posts that talk about your location or family members locations. Going on a fantastic trip? Save all of those incredible pictures and tell everyone about it after you get back. Letting people know you're gone, also means your house will be empty and a good target for thieves.

If you think you've been scammed call the Mesa County Sheriff's Office at (970) 244-3500.

Note an earlier version of this story incorrectly listed the amount of money the person in Mesa County was scammed as $4,000. The correct amount is $400.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - Donor Alliance announced Tuesday Kate Geer will ride on its float in the Rose Parade in honor of Deputy Derek Geer who became an organ donor after he was killed in the line of duty.

Tuesday afternoon, Kate Geer teamed up with the Donate Life Colorado, St. Mary's Hospital, and the Mesa County Sheriff's Office to talk about the impact of organ donation.

Deputy Geer was killed in the line of duty on February 8th, but continued to save lives. He was able to be an organ donor, ultimately saving four lives by giving his heart, liver and both kidneys.

"Even after death, he continued his commitment to helping and protecting others," said Kate Geer.

As a symbol of gratitude to the Sheriff's Office,Mrs. Geer pinned Donate Life pins on Sheriff Matt Lewis, Capt. Art Smith and Capt. Todd Rowell.

Donating is a personal choice. Tuesday's event stressed the importance of talking about that personal decision now with loved ones.

The decision to become a donor Kate Geer said was one of the first decisions she and Derek made as a married couple.

"Derek was steadfast in his commitment to it, believing it to be another way to help others, which he did at every turn throughout his life," said Geer. "He even educated me on the fact that as many as eight lives can be saved by one organ donor and more than 50 lives can be saved or healed through one tissue donor."

Since her husband’s passing, Kate has been an active advocate for organ, eye and tissue donation.

Donate Life flag raised at St. Mary's Hospital

On Monday, January 2nd, she will travel to Pasadena to ride on the fourteenth annual Donate Life Rose Parade Float in honor of Deputy Geer.

She will be in the 5-mile-long parade alongside 23 others from around the country who have been touched by donation.

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Mesa County Search and Rescue Ground Team is looking for new members and is currently accepting applications.

The highly trained nonprofit professional rescue organization is looking for outdoor enthusiasts available to volunteer during the workweek. Members must be able to carry a 40lb pack over mountainous terrain and be willing to learn. All required skills will be taught during a 5 week course.

On average the Mesa County Search and Rescue Ground Team receives anywhere from 55 to 60 search and rescue missions a year throughout the Western Slope. From safely carrying out injured mountain bikers to finding lost individuals in the mountains, members are on call 24/7 to support the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office with any and all search and rescue efforts free of charge. The team's goal is to help out those who are just having a bad day!

If you love the outdoors and want to make a difference in people's lives and the community, this could be the organization for you!

All prospective members must first complete an application. Applications can be picked up at the front counter of the Sheriff’s Office during business hours or downloaded off our website.

Please note, anyone interested in becoming a new member must pass a background check and will have to go through an interview process. The deadline for turning in applications is Friday, December 30, 2016.

Monday, December 5, 2016

UPDATE: The Colorado DMV says if the goal of 3,000 speciality plates are not ordered by July 1, 2017 like the statute requires, it will give the Colorado Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) a year grace period before it retires the Fallen Heroes Plates.
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MESA COUNTY, Colo - The license plate that honors our fallen Colorado Law Enforcement Officers will no longer be an option for Colorado motorists if more aren't purchased by next summer.

Over 600 sets of the speciality plates must be ordered before July 1, 2017 or the State of Colorado may no longer offer it.

The non-profit organization provides programs and contributes to the emotional and psychological well-being of the surviving family and co-workers of a line-of-duty death. C.O.P.S. is able help provide hope and services to those survivors of officers killed here in Colorado.

Print the receipt and take it to the Mesa County DMV to order the plate. The plate will be mailed to you.

This is a one time donation, and from then on you can renew the plates at the normal rate.

*Note: The State of Colorado also charges you a specialty license plate fee of $50 when you buy any specialty license plates. The total cost will be $100 initially with $50 of that going to C.O.P.S. as a donation.

The Background Of Colorado’s Fallen Hero License Plates
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper signed HB12-1023 on April 26, 2012 in a ceremony at the Capitol, establishing a Colorado Law Enforcement Fallen Heroes License Plate. Larimer County Sheriff's Office Deputy Basil Marciniak originated the idea for the license plate in response to the death of Weld County Sheriff's Deputy Sam Brownlee. Northern Colorado legislators B. J. Nikkel and Steven King sponsored the legislation.

Justin Smith, who was then the Larimer County Sheriff, attended the ceremony with the Governor, and said, "This is an opportunity for citizens to recognize and remember the ultimate sacrifices many law enforcement officers have made and the risks officers face on a daily basis."

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

MESA COUNTY, Colo - Going out of town for the holidays and worried about your home or business? Let the the Mesa County Sheriff's Office know by requesting a Vacation Home Check.

When available, Citizen on Patrol volunteers will check your home while you are away.

To request a Vacation Home Check you must fill out this request form. Please include when you will be gone, emergency contact information, who may be at the residence taking care of pets and the property, as well as any other information our deputies should know.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office also accepts request for Extra Patrols. This is different from a Vacation Home Check.

Extra Patrol requests are only for suspicious activity (with no suspect information) going on in your neighborhood or around your home that your would like extra patrol for.

To request Extra Patrol you must fill out this request form. Requests must include what type of suspicious activity is occurring that we should be on the lookout for. These requests automatically expire after 2 weeks.

Extra Patrols and Vacation Home Checks are only conducted by our Citizen on Patrol volunteers based on their availability. This is a request only and there are no guarantees as to when or how often the extra patrols will be conducted. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office does not assume liability for loss or damage to any property during the specified dates.

Friday, November 25, 2016

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking the public's help to identify a suspect believed to be scamming local businesses out of cash.

At 6:40 Thursday evening, deputies believe the suspect went into the Maverik gas station in Clifton and scammed cashiers into giving him more change than he is entitled to stealing hundreds of dollars.

Employees report the suspect was smooth with his money handling and the the cashiers could not keep up.

This scam has possibly occurred at other gas stations in Mesa County.

A photo of the suspect was captured on surveillance video. He is described as a black male, approximately 6'2" and 230 lbs last seen wearing a baseball cap and a black zip up jacket.

If you recognize this person, please call non-emergency dispatch at (970) 242-6707, and reference MCSO case number 16-38451, or private message us on Facebook.

The vehicle has a distinctive homemade 5th wheel trailer hitch built into the bed of the truck. The total estimated property loss is over $16,000.

If you know the location of the stolen truck and or the subjects involved in this crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 241-7867. When you call Crime Stoppers and give them information on someone that gets arrested they will pay you a cash reward up to $1,000 without asking your name. If you want more information, go to the website at www.241stop.com

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - This week Crime Stoppers of Mesa County needs your help to identify and locate the subjects involved in a burglary.

Sometime between 6 a.m. on Saturday, May 14th and 6 a.m. on Friday, May 20th, unknown subjects forced entry into the laundry room of the 1238 Bookcliff Apartment complex. Once inside, the subjects removed the coin boxes from two washing machines. The total estimated damage and property loss is over $2,700.

If you know the identity of the subjects involved in this crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 241-7867. Information reported to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest can earn you up to $1,000 cash reward and you will remain completely anonymous. For more information, see us at www.241stop.com.

Sunday, November 13, 2016

MESA COUNTY, Colo. - The suspect in the death of an 11-year-old boy, from the November 12, 2016 incident at 3060 Sandpiper Avenue, has been taken into custody.

In the evening following the incident yesterday, on November 12, 41-year-old Jeremy Mushrush voluntarily came to the Mesa County Sheriff's Office building where he gave a statement. Mr. Mushrush was not detained or arrested at this time, and was free to leave after he gave a statement. After he left, information came to light that implicated Mr. Mushrush in criminal activity. This led Investigators to obtain an arrest warrant for Mr. Mushrush for the following charges:

Manslaughter (class 4 Felony); and

Attempting to Influence a Public Servant (class 4 Felony); and

Prohibited Use of a Weapon (class 2 Misdemeanor).

Today, at approximately 10:30 a.m., on November 13, 2016, Deputies and Grand Junction Police Officers located Mr. Mushrush's vehicle at the Woodspring Suites, 659 Market Street, in Grand Junction. At about this same time, Mr. Mushrush called dispatch and advised he had heard that law enforcement was looking for him, and he agreed to meet with Deputies. At 10:38 a.m., Mr. Mushrush agreed to turn himself in and he was arrested without any resistance or incident.

The Sheriff's Office continues to work closely with the District Attorney's Office and the Coroner's Office as this investigation moves forward. All documents related to this case have been sealed by the court.

This remains an ongoing active investigation.

*** PREVIOUSLY RELEASED ***

MESA COUNTY, Colo. - On November 12, 2016 at approximately 6:18 p.m., Mesa County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a reported shooting at 3060 Sandpiper Avenue. An 11-year-old boy had been shot at this residence and was transported to St. Mary's Hospital where he later died. Investigators have been working through the night, processing the crime scene and conducting multiple interviews.

Jeremy Mushrush, 41

Investigators have obtained an arrest warrant for Jeremy James Mushrush, a 41-year-old male resident of Grand Junction, for the following charges:

Manslaughter (class 4 Felony); and

Attempting to Influence a Public Servant (class 4 Felony); and

Prohibited Use of a Weapon (class 2 Misdemeanor).

Mr. Mushrush is not related to the victim.

Anyone with information on Mr. Mushrush is asked to call dispatch at 970-242-6707.

The 11-year-old boy's identity is not being released at this time, pending further investigation with the Mesa County Coroner's Office. The Sheriff's Office continued to work closely with the District Attorney's Office and the Coroner's Office as this investigation moves forward. All documents related to this case have been sealed by the court.

Suspect Identified in Shooting

MESA COUNTY, Colo. - On November 12, 2016 at approximately 6:18 p.m., Mesa County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a reported shooting at 3060 Sandpiper Avenue. An 11-year-old boy had been shot at this residence and was transported to St. Mary's Hospital where he later died. Investigators have been working through the night, processing the crime scene and conducting multiple interviews.

Jeremy Mushrush, 41

Investigators have obtained an arrest warrant for Jeremy James Mushrush, a 41-year-old male resident of Grand Junction, for the following charges:

Manslaughter (class 4 Felony); and

Attempting to Influence a Public Servant (class 4 Felony); and

Prohibited Use of a Weapon (class 2 Misdemeanor).

Mr. Mushrush is not related to the victim.

Anyone with information on Mr. Mushrush is asked to call dispatch at 970-242-6707.

The 11-year-old boy's identity is not being released at this time, pending further investigation with the Mesa County Coroner's Office. The Sheriff's Office continued to work closely with the District Attorney's Office and the Coroner's Office as this investigation moves forward. All documents related to this case have been sealed by the court.

Friday, November 11, 2016

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating a gold truck believed to be involved in a burglary Thursday.

The gold Chevy Silverado truck was last seen driving away from the 3000 block of B 1/2 Road where the burglary occurred.

It's possible a male and female may be driving it.

If you have information about this truck's whereabouts or its occupants call law enforcement at (970) 242-6707.

You can also call Crime Stoppers at 241-STOP (7867). When you call Crime Stoppers and give them information on someone that gets arrested they will pay you a cash reward up to $1,000 without asking your name. If you want more information, go to the website at www.241stop.com

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - Crime Stoppers needs your help to locate the subject that used a lost credit card to make purchases.

On Wednesday, October 19th an elderly man lost his wallet containing his driver’s license and other personal identification documents and VISA debit/credit cards.

Shortly after, a male entered the Smoker Friendly located at 569 32 Road and purchased items using one of the lost credit cards.

The lost credit cards were also used at a few more businesses located in Collbran. The total estimated value of loss is over $500.

Security cameras took a picture of a white male, approximately 20-29 years of age about 5’8” to 5’11” tall and wearing a blue jean and a black hoodie. P

If you know the person involved in this crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 241-7867. When you call Crime Stoppers and give them information on someone that gets arrested they will pay you a cash reward up to $1,000 without asking your name. If you want more information, go to the website at www.241stop.com

Thursday, October 20, 2016

FRUITA, Colo - The Fruita Police Department needs your help to identify and locate the subjects involved in a burglary.

Sometime between 6:00 am and 4:00 pm on Tuesday, September 13th unknown suspects unlawfully entered a residence located in the 300 block of N. Coulson Street in Fruita. While inside, the suspects removed ten firearms; including two Remington Arms rifles, one Winchester rifle with a gold plated trigger, one Stevens Arms rifle, one Savage Arms rifle, one Beretta pistol, four Ruger pistols, and various calibers of ammunition. The total estimated property loss is over $5,600.

If you know the identity or location of the subjects involved in this crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 241-7867. Information reported to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest can earn you up to $1,000 cash reward and you will remain completely anonymous. For more information, see us at www.241stop.com.

Monday, October 17, 2016

Sexually Violent Predator Changes addresses in County

Willie Lee Privette, 36MCSO Photo: 02/09/16

Mesa County, Colo. -- This public notice is intended to make our community aware that a registered sex offender, classified as a sexually violent predator, is moving his residency. Further details about this offender and his new location, Click here and choose the Willie Privette Bulletin from our County web page about sexually violent predators in Mesa County.

A 'sexually violent predator' is a term branded by the Colorado Sex Offender Management Board, who classifies a convicted sex offender with this additional descriptor. Willie Privette, 36, of Grand Junction, has served his convicted sentence in the Colorado Department of Corrections prison facilities as ordered by a Judge. He transitioned into Community Corrections while under the supervision of a local Parole Agent, who continues to supervise Willie Privette (as he remains a parolee at this time). Willie Privette registered with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office and listed his new residence with our agency, per compliance with registration laws. Willie Privette has been and remains current with all his registration requirements.

All community notification bulletins for all current SVPs registered with our agency are on our agency website, to view them, click here. In addition, we highly recommend you watch a 12 minute video that talks about SVPs and all registered sex offenders, resources and other useful information specific to Mesa County. For current information on all registered sex offenders in Mesa County, visit our countywide joint website http://www.mesacountyunifiedsexoffenderregistry.org, and be sure to choose the link to enroll up to five physical addresses and be notified if a registered sex offender or new registered sex offender moves into a designated area around the addresses you input. This is an extremely useful tool.

If you have information regarding current criminal activity of this or any other offender, please call 911 for an emergency. If you observe this offender engaging in any high risk or inappropriate behavior, please contact the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, patrol units, by calling 911 or (970) 242-6707. If you have questions or need education handouts, please contact Mesa County Sex Offender Registrar Jennifer Jenkel at (970) 244-3206, or her direct supervisor Sgt. Henry Stoffel (970) 244-3973.

Most sex crimes are never reported and most offenders are never detected. The greatest risk of sex offense is from people you know. The information provided herein (on the embedded community bulletin) is current and accurate as of the date, but is subject to change.

The purpose of this notification is to enhance public safety and protection. Vigilantism, or use of this information to harass, threaten or intimidate anyone associated with this notification will not be tolerated.

This law enforcement agency has no legal authority to direct where a sex offender may live (however, we make it public information so citizens can be aware and educate themselves). Unless court restrictions exist, they are constitutionally free to live wherever they choose. Sex offenders have always lived in our community, but they were not required to notify law enforcement of their residence until registration laws were implemented pursuant to the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act. Law enforcement may now share that information with members of the community, and in the case of sexually violent predators, law enforcement must actively notify citizens. This blog posting is only one of the means we are getting this information out to citizens of Mesa County.

Thursday, October 13, 2016

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating human remains found in the north desert of Mesa County.

Tuesday hikers found skeletal remains near 16 Road and the desert on BLM land.

CMU Forensic Investigative Research
Station members working with MCSO

All day Wednesday, the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, the Mesa County Coroner's Office and Mesa County Surveyor worked with students and faculty from the Colorado Mesa University Forensic Investigative Research Station to recover the remains.

CMU’s Forensic Investigative Research Station (FIRS) is one of only six forensic investigation facilities in the world and the only one located in an arid climate at a high elevation. FIRS offers undergraduate students the opportunity to study and research the decomposition of human remains.

The students helped investigators excavate the remains and process the scene.

MCSO deputies map the site with
County Survveyor

The Sheriff's Office is working closely with the Coroner's Office to positively identify the remains that are believed to belong to an adult.

Investigators are currently reviewing missing person cases to see if the remains may be related.

The circumstances surrounding the human remains will continue to be under investigation.

MESA COUNTY, Colo - A suspected wanted in a 1989 murder in Mesa County was taken into custody Monday in Denver.

Rafael Aguialar Garcia, 67, was arrested by Denver Police Officers Monday on a charge of Murder in the First Degree.

Charles Porter was shot and killed July 4, 1989 on the 3600 block of F Road in Palisade. A witness at the time identified Garcia as the shooter.

In 2009, the case was handed over to Mexican Authorities where Garcia was tried.

Officers with the Denver Police Department made contact with Garcia and arrested him on the Mesa County warrant still outstanding related to the case.

Garcia was transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility where he is currently being held without bond.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is now working with the Mesa County District Attorney's Office on how to proceed with his case.

District Attorney Dan Rubinstein was notified of Garcia's arrest on October 12.

"I am told of a prior unsuccessful prosecution that occurred in Mexico for the same murder, but have not personally reviewed any documents or fully gathered the information about what occurred with that effort," said Rubinstein.

Under Article 4 of the Mexican Federal Penal Code, the Mexican authorities may prosecute crimes that occurred in other countries under circumstances where (1) the accused is in Mexico; (2) the accused has not been tried in the country where he committed the crime, and; (3) the crime is one that is also a crime in Mexico.

"The information I have now received is that Mexico had previously refused to extradite Mr. Garcia because he was a Mexican citizen, but that Mexican authorities prosecuted him for the murder in Mesa County with the cooperation of the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office," said Rubinstein. "While it is my belief, based on the limited information I have at this time, that the law does not prohibit my office from prosecuting Mr. Garcia for the murder on U.S. Soil. However, because I did not participate in the decision to cooperate with the Mexican authorities in their efforts and have not received the documentation on it, I do not know if some other agreement that we would not prosecute was made in that respect by another local official."

"Given the nature of the offense, the Twenty First Judicial District Attorney’s Office intends to pursue every legal avenue to prosecute Mr. Garcia here in Mesa County." said Rubinstein.

Thursday, October 6, 2016

MESA COUNTY, Colo -- Mesa County Sheriff's Office believes all suspects involved in Wednesday night's shooting in Molina are in custody.

Two suspects were arrested at 9:35 this morning after several citizens reported seeing two men attempting to hitchhike on Highway 65 near I-70.

The suspects were not armed when they were arrested on mountainous terrain near Highway 65 and I-70 by the Roller Dam.

The two men in custody includes 23-year-old Trevaun Faison, whom we cautioned the public about early this morning.

Several agencies were involved in the investigation and apprehension of the two men. They include the Mesa County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team, Grand Junction Police SWAT Team, Palisade Police Department, Collbran Marshal's Office, De Beque Marshal's Office, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Colorado Department of Transportation, who posted messages along I-70 warning drivers to not pick up hitchhikers.

I-70 eastbound was also closed for a time while the suspects were taken into custody.

The shooting occurred around 10:00 p.m. Wednesday at a home on the 53100 block of LE 1/2 Road in Molina.

The three male gunshot victims traveled to two different locations to seek help, one in Molina, the other in Collbran. They were taken to St. Mary’s Hospital; their conditions are not available at this time.

The victims are between the ages of 30-70 and believed to be residents of Mesa County.

The motive of the shooting is still under investigation.

Because witness interviews still need to be conducted, the names and mugshots of the suspects in custody are being withheld. The court documents associated with this case are under seal by court order.

Thank you to all of the people who called in information about these suspects. The public's role was vital in bringing a peaceful resolution to this situation quickly.

MOLINA, Colo – The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is looking for three men believed to be involved in a shooting Wednesday night in Molina.

Trevaun Jzhonta Faison, 23, was last seen in the Molina and Collbran area on foot late Wednesday night wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black and white basketball style shoes.

Faison is a black male, 6’01” weighs 170 lbs, has black hair and has ties to Florida and North Carolina.

He is possibly with two other men. One is described as a darker complected black male, 5’09”-6’01” medium to heavier build and has a cornrows hairstyle. He was last seen wearing an unknown color of sweat pants. His face and nose are described as wider than Faison’s.

The third male is described as black or Hispanic, about 5’07” having a thin build with some parts of his clothing blue colored.

These people are considered armed and dangerous. If you see them call 911, do NOT approach.

Three people were hurt in the shooting that happened just after 10 p.m. in Molina. The victims went to two different locations to call for help, one in Molina, and one in Collbran.

Collbran Crime Scene

They were taken to St. Mary’s Hospital; their conditions are not available at this time.

An emergency notification went out to area residents asking them to stay inside and lock their doors and keep an eye out for the three suspects.

There is a possibility they will try to steal a car or hide out in a local neighborhood, that is why we are asking the public to stay vigilant and report anything suspicious.

It is always a good idea to check on your neighbors and keep an eye on your cars. Report anything out of the ordinary immediately.

Again call 911, do NOT approach these subjects, they are considered armed and dangerous.

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 24th, an unknown suspect unlawfully entered Strive located at 950 Grand Avenue through an open window. Once inside, the suspect stole a Samsung S6 cell phone with a white rechargeable case.

Security cameras captured a white male in his 20’s and last seen wearing yellow shorts, a green tank top with a yellow emblem and a baseball cap. The security cameras captured photos of the male suspect.

If you know the identity or location of the subject involved in this crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 241-7867. Information reported to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest can earn you up to $1,000 cash reward and you will remain completely anonymous. For more information, see us at www.241stop.com.

Monday, October 3, 2016

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking the public's help to identify a woman possibly posing as a real estate agent to gain access to people's homes.

The woman seen in this photo was caught in someone's backyard where items were stolen from shortly after.

Deputies have reason to believe she may be posing as a real estate agent and/or a restoration expert telling homeowners she finds items and refurbishes them.

If you have any information about who this person is, email us or call Crime Stoppers at (970) 241-STOP. Information leading to an arrest can earn you up to $1,000 cash reward and you can remain anonymous.

Saturday, October 1, 2016

MESA COUNTY, Colo – Friday afternoon Mesa County deputies responded to a report of person found deceased on BLM land west of Lands End Road.

Once deputies arrived at the remote location, they confirmed the vehicle found with the deceased person was the blue and white Bronco belonging to missing Craig resident Scott Burke.

The Mesa County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy Saturday morning and identified the person found as Scott Burke. His cause and manner of death are still under investigation pending toxicology results.

Burke, 43, went missing over the weekend when he didn’t return home Saturday from a camping trip.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office along with several other agencies, volunteers and family members searched for three days. The exact location of where Burke was planning to camp was unknown, only a general area of the North Desert or the Bookcliff area west of De Beque.

Burke was found Friday nowhere near the 700 sq mile search area. He was found a few miles west of Lands End Road on BLM land.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - Crime Stoppers is requesting information that will lead to the identification of the suspect that stole items from Kohl’s Department Store located at 636 Market Street on Tuesday, July 19th around 3 p.m.

Security cameras captured a Hispanic male in his late 30’s. He wore blue jeans with a yellow plaid shirt and blue baseball cap. The suspect was last seen leaving on a bicycle.

If you know the identity or location of the subject involved in this crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 241-7867.

Information reported to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest can earn you up to $1,000 cash reward and you will remain completely anonymous. For more information, see us at www.241stop.com.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

MESA COUNTY, Colo - After exhausting all leads Mesa County Sheriff’s deputies are suspending the search for 43-year-old Craig resident Scott Burke.

Burke was supposed to return Saturday from a camping trip, but no one has seen or heard from him since he left Friday.

MCSO deputies search for Burke

Three days of searching the Mesa County desert by air and on the ground has turned up no sign of Burke's whereabouts.

Today sheriff's deputies searched along with the Search and Rescue ATV Team, 3 Civil Air Patrol planes, Centurylink's helicopter, the Bureau of Land Management and local volunteers.

Monday's air search was done by Centurylink's helicopter and one Civil Air Patrol plane.

The exact location of where Burke was planning on camping is unknown, only a general area of the North Desert or the Bookcliff area west of De Beque.

This is a large area and it was searched extensively. Over two days Civil Air Patrol searched the approximate 700 sq miles from Highway 139 to Cameo and up into Garfield County. ATV search teams went down all access roads into the desert area.

The search area covered 16 Road to 29 Road, the canyons that access the Bookcliffs, the Little Bookcliffs Wild Horse area, Cameo, De Beque and into parts of Garfield County.

Burke's Car
Last seen driving

Mesa County Sheriff's deputies remain in contact with family members and will resume the search if more information or new leads come to light about Burke's whereabouts.

It is believed he may be driving in a white and blue Bronco. These are pictures of his Bronco provided by family members.

Burke is 5'11" and weighs 175lbs with brown hair and green eyes.

If anyone remembers seeing him camping over the weekend or has information about his whereabouts, please call law enforcement at (970) 242-6707.